In order to support its content creators and keep them engaged on the platform, Twitter has recently introduced a brand new ad revenue sharing program. It allows verified creators who are subscribed to Twitter Blue to earn a share of the ad revenue generated from ads displayed in their reply threads. With the first payroll totaling $5 million, Twitter aims to incentivize creators to continue producing high-quality content and drive increased engagement across the platform. Sounds good enough? Let’s see:

Who is eligible and what are the payouts

To be eligible for the ad revenue sharing program, creators must meet certain criteria. They need to have at least 5 million tweet impressions each month for the past 3 months and have a Stripe payment account set up and linked to their account. Once eligible,they can opt into the program and start earning a portion of the revenue generated from ads served in their replies.

The exact amount that creators can earn through the program varies and depends on several factors. These factors include the number of impressions their posts receive, the type of ads displayed, and the overall engagement of their audience. While Twitter has not disclosed the specific calculations for payouts, some creators have already shared their earnings. For example, one of the platform's most-followed meme pages, Internet Hall of Fame, claimed to have received a significant payout of $107,274.

Launch and Cumulative Payouts

Twitter has been working on the ad income sharing programme for some months. Elon Musk said that the program's first rewards will be cumulative beginning in February. This means that the program's creators will earn a cumulative portion of the ad revenue produced since its debut. The program's introduction is a big milestone for Twitter, since it tries to meet creators' long-standing demand for improved revenue choices.

Monetization Standards and Content Guidelines

While Twitter has introduced a new monetization option for creators, it is crucial to know that certain categories of content are not eligible for monetization. The monetization of sexual content, content connected to pyramid schemes or get-rich-quick schemes, violent content, criminal behaviours, gambling, and content related to drugs and alcohol is prohibited by Twitter's content monetization standards. Furthermore, creators are not permitted to monetise copyrighted content that they do not own.

These principles attempt to keep the platform's content safe and responsible, while simultaneously preserving the interests of producers and advertisers. Creators should become acquainted with these guidelines in order to assure compliance and eligibility for the ad revenue sharing programme.

Benefits for Creators and Twitter

The introduction of the ad revenue sharing program is a major win for creators on Twitter. It provides them with an opportunity to monetize their content and earn revenue directly from the platform. This incentive is crucial for retaining and attracting top creators who may have considered alternative platforms with better monetization options. By supporting its content creators, Twitter aims to foster a vibrant and engaged community, which can lead to an overall platform growth.

Potential Downsides and Concerns

While the ad revenue sharing program offers exciting opportunities for creators, there are also potential downsides and concerns. Some creators worry that the ads displayed in their replies may clutter up the conversation and make it difficult for them to engage with their peers. The program is currently only available to verified creators, which means that smaller creators may not have access to this monetization option. However, let’s be honest here, you are paying $8 in exchange for thousands.

Another concern raised by some is the potential for sensationalized content to earn more revenue. As Farzad Mesbahi tweeted, "The more haters you have in your replies, the more money you'll make on Twitter." This observation highlights the possibility that extreme and divisive content may drive higher engagement and, consequently, higher earnings for creators. However, it remains to be seen how Twitter will address this issue and ensure a balanced and healthy content environment. As an old saying goes, any publicity is good publicity and it’s been known for years now that haters are actually filling up the pockets of creators.

Twitter's Response to Competitors and possible Challenges

The launch of the ad revenue sharing program comes at a crucial time for Twitter, as it faces competition from Meta's new Threads app. Threads has gained significant traction, boasting 100 million users in just a few days since its launch. This rapid growth has positioned Threads as a potential rival to Twitter. In response, Twitter has taken steps to protect its user base and retain its creators, including threatening to sue Meta for alleged misuse of Twitter's "trade secrets and other intellectual property."

Additionally, Twitter has been working to improve its advertising sales, which have faced challenges in recent months. The platform's U.S. advertising sales experienced a 59% decrease in April compared to the previous year. The ad revenue sharing program is one of Twitter's strategies to revitalize its advertising front and provide a more attractive platform for advertisers.

The Future of Twitter's Ad Revenue Sharing Program

As Twitter's ad revenue sharing program gains traction and more creators join the program, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and adapts to the needs of creators and the platform. Twitter may introduce new features and improvements based on feedback and user engagement data. The success of the program will ultimately depend on its ability to provide a fair and rewarding monetization experience for creators, while also delivering value to advertisers and maintaining a positive user experience for all Twitter users.

From this point forward

Twitter's ad revenue sharing programme is a huge step forward for the network in terms of supporting its content makers and offering them a new monetization option. Twitter hopes to incentivise producers to continue generating compelling content and generate more user engagement by sharing a share of its ad revenue. While the programme has its drawbacks, it also provides intriguing chances for verified authors to make cash straight from the site. It will be interesting to observe how Twitter refines and expands the programme as it moulds the future of content development and revenue on the network.